Northern Ireland to abolish prescription charges :

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7641637.stm

Recently our beloved leader made some noises about abolishing
prescription charges for cancer patients ...

Since ukl is a widely read forum, I figured a debate here might reach
his ear ...

Personally, I've no problem with the current system, for acute
prescriptions. However it is patently a tax on being ill, for people
(like myself and my wife) who are obliged to take life-long
medication. (And yes, I know you can get a pre-paid certificate, but
that doesn't change the fact you have to pay *something* for life).

So this is a sort of open letter to GB to let him know that whilst
everyone would love free prescriptions, he would really improve in my
estimation, if prescriptions for chronic[1] conditions were to be made
free.

[1] and this includes drugs which doctors dish out damn-well knowing
they are addictive and impossible to quit. Yes I mean
benzodiazepienes.

On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:23:21 -0700 (PDT), Jethro
 wrote:

>Northern Ireland to abolish prescription charges :
>
>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7641637.stm
>
>Recently our beloved leader made some noises about abolishing
>prescription charges for cancer patients ...
>
>Since ukl is a widely read forum, I figured a debate here might reach
>his ear ...
>
>Personally, I've no problem with the current system, for acute
>prescriptions. However it is patently a tax on being ill, for people
>(like myself and my wife) who are obliged to take life-long
>medication.

Entitlement to help with health costs (NHS prescription and dental
charges, optical and hospital travel costs) is based on the principle
that those who can afford to contribute should do so; while those who
are likely to have difficulty in paying should be protected.
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Medicinespharmacyandindustry/Prescriptions/NHScosts/index.htm


Do you really have "difficulty paying" less than 30 pence a day for
all of your prescription needs?

On 29 Sep, 11:38, judith  wrote:
> On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:23:21 -0700 (PDT), Jethro
>
>  wrote:
> >Northern Ireland to abolish prescription charges :
>
> >http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7641637.stm
>
> >Recently our beloved leader made some noises about abolishing
> >prescription charges for cancer patients ...
>
> >Since ukl is a widely read forum, I figured a debate here might reach
> >his ear ...
>
> >Personally, I've no problem with the current system, for acute
> >prescriptions. However it is patently a tax on being ill, for people
> >(like myself and my wife) who are obliged to take life-long
> >medication.
>
> Entitlement to help with health costs (NHS prescription and dental
> charges, optical and hospital travel costs) is based on the principle
> that those who can afford to contribute should do so; while those who
> are likely to have difficulty in paying should be protected.http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Medicinespharmacyandindustry/Presc...

When did that seismic policy-shift happen then ? I was probably
reading the memo about Peking become Bejing :-)

"judith"  wrote in message 
news:50c1e4hab5o0p546fjjvjqkk2mpg1dl0gi@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:23:21 -0700 (PDT), Jethro
>  wrote:
>
>>Northern Ireland to abolish prescription charges :
>>
>>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7641637.stm
>>
>>Recently our beloved leader made some noises about abolishing
>>prescription charges for cancer patients ...
>>
>>Since ukl is a widely read forum, I figured a debate here might reach
>>his ear ...
>>
>>Personally, I've no problem with the current system, for acute
>>prescriptions. However it is patently a tax on being ill, for people
>>(like myself and my wife) who are obliged to take life-long
>>medication.
>
> Entitlement to help with health costs (NHS prescription and dental
> charges, optical and hospital travel costs) is based on the principle
> that those who can afford to contribute should do so;

I was under the impression that I already was doing so.  It's called 
'National Insurance'.

On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:29:48 +0100, "M.I.5¾"
 wrote:

>
>"judith"  wrote in message 
>news:50c1e4hab5o0p546fjjvjqkk2mpg1dl0gi@4ax.com...
>> On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:23:21 -0700 (PDT), Jethro
>>  wrote:
>>
>>>Northern Ireland to abolish prescription charges :
>>>
>>>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7641637.stm
>>>
>>>Recently our beloved leader made some noises about abolishing
>>>prescription charges for cancer patients ...
>>>
>>>Since ukl is a widely read forum, I figured a debate here might reach
>>>his ear ...
>>>
>>>Personally, I've no problem with the current system, for acute
>>>prescriptions. However it is patently a tax on being ill, for people
>>>(like myself and my wife) who are obliged to take life-long
>>>medication.
>>
>> Entitlement to help with health costs (NHS prescription and dental
>> charges, optical and hospital travel costs) is based on the principle
>> that those who can afford to contribute should do so;
>
>I was under the impression that I already was doing so.  It's called 
>'National Insurance'.
>


And why did you assume that your NI contributions covered all aspects
of any Health Care which you needed?  Free glasses perhaps, free
dental treatment, what about free drugs whatever your problem?

Do you really not think it is a better idea to make people pay rather
than provide prescriptions free for all.  Do you not think that
perhaps that system might be abused - medicines wasted?

As I said - if you really can't afford less than 30p a day for
medication then you will get the help which you need.

"judith"  wrote in message 
news:9op1e4hiuf5g3qiafiijna1hse9j57ecv2@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:29:48 +0100, "M.I.5¾"
>  wrote:
>
>>
>>"judith"  wrote in message
>>news:50c1e4hab5o0p546fjjvjqkk2mpg1dl0gi@4ax.com...
>>> On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:23:21 -0700 (PDT), Jethro
>>>  wrote:
>>>
>>>>Northern Ireland to abolish prescription charges :
>>>>
>>>>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7641637.stm
>>>>
>>>>Recently our beloved leader made some noises about abolishing
>>>>prescription charges for cancer patients ...
>>>>
>>>>Since ukl is a widely read forum, I figured a debate here might reach
>>>>his ear ...
>>>>
>>>>Personally, I've no problem with the current system, for acute
>>>>prescriptions. However it is patently a tax on being ill, for people
>>>>(like myself and my wife) who are obliged to take life-long
>>>>medication.
>>>
>>> Entitlement to help with health costs (NHS prescription and dental
>>> charges, optical and hospital travel costs) is based on the principle
>>> that those who can afford to contribute should do so;
>>
>>I was under the impression that I already was doing so.  It's called
>>'National Insurance'.
>>
>
>
> And why did you assume that your NI contributions covered all aspects
> of any Health Care which you needed?  Free glasses perhaps, free
> dental treatment, what about free drugs whatever your problem?
>
> Do you really not think it is a better idea to make people pay rather
> than provide prescriptions free for all.  Do you not think that
> perhaps that system might be abused - medicines wasted?
>
Why would medicines be wasted?  Are you saying that people are taking 
medicines for the fun off it or that they would do so if they didn't have to 
pay?
Surely the persciber should decided whether a drug is needed, not the 
patient on the basis of the perscription charge.

> As I said - if you really can't afford less than 30p a day for
> medication then you will get the help which you need.

Jethro wrote:
> Northern Ireland to abolish prescription charges :
> 
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7641637.stm
> 
> Recently our beloved leader made some noises about abolishing
> prescription charges for cancer patients ...
> 
> Since ukl is a widely read forum, I figured a debate here might reach
> his ear ...
> 
> Personally, I've no problem with the current system, for acute
> prescriptions. However it is patently a tax on being ill, for people
> (like myself and my wife) who are obliged to take life-long
> medication. (And yes, I know you can get a pre-paid certificate, but
> that doesn't change the fact you have to pay *something* for life).
> 
> So this is a sort of open letter to GB to let him know that whilst
> everyone would love free prescriptions, he would really improve in my
> estimation, if prescriptions for chronic[1] conditions were to be made
> free.
> 
> [1] and this includes drugs which doctors dish out damn-well knowing
> they are addictive and impossible to quit. Yes I mean
> benzodiazepienes.

I don't have difficulty in paying for prescriptions but I sometimes have 
to have up to 8 prescriptions a time and some are only given in small 
amounts (morphine) and they can be 3 times a month @ £6.85 a time. That 
obviously builds up into quite an amount each month so I purchased a Pre 
Payment card for £27 and it covers all prescriptions for 3 months so no 
problem.

£27 for all of the prescriptions isn't much and I don't think anyone 
will £9 a month should complain or ask for it to be free. And yes some 
of my meds are for life and I have approx. another 50 years of taking them.

mert1639 wrote:
> "judith"  wrote in message
> news:9op1e4hiuf5g3qiafiijna1hse9j57ecv2@4ax.com...
>> On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:29:48 +0100, "M.I.5¾"
>>  wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> "judith"  wrote in message
>>> news:50c1e4hab5o0p546fjjvjqkk2mpg1dl0gi@4ax.com...
>>>> On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:23:21 -0700 (PDT), Jethro
>>>>  wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Northern Ireland to abolish prescription charges :
>>>>>
>>>>> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7641637.stm
>>>>>
>>>>> Recently our beloved leader made some noises about abolishing
>>>>> prescription charges for cancer patients ...
>>>>>
>>>>> Since ukl is a widely read forum, I figured a debate here might
>>>>> reach his ear ...
>>>>>
>>>>> Personally, I've no problem with the current system, for acute
>>>>> prescriptions. However it is patently a tax on being ill, for
>>>>> people (like myself and my wife) who are obliged to take life-long
>>>>> medication.
>>>>
>>>> Entitlement to help with health costs (NHS prescription and dental
>>>> charges, optical and hospital travel costs) is based on the
>>>> principle that those who can afford to contribute should do so;
>>>
>>> I was under the impression that I already was doing so.  It's called
>>> 'National Insurance'.
>>>
>>
>>
>> And why did you assume that your NI contributions covered all aspects
>> of any Health Care which you needed?  Free glasses perhaps, free
>> dental treatment, what about free drugs whatever your problem?
>>
>> Do you really not think it is a better idea to make people pay rather
>> than provide prescriptions free for all.  Do you not think that
>> perhaps that system might be abused - medicines wasted?
>>
> Why would medicines be wasted?  Are you saying that people are taking
> medicines for the fun off it or that they would do so if they didn't
> have to pay?
> Surely the persciber should decided whether a drug is needed, not the
> patient on the basis of the perscription charge.
>
>> As I said - if you really can't afford less than 30p a day for
>> medication then you will get the help which you need.

After my MIL died we cleared her flat, there were hundreds of recently 
prescribed medicines, probably tens of thousands of pounds worth.  Quite why 
she hoarded them I cannot tell, but it is certain that if she was 
accountable for them then she would not have had them, and perhaps someone 
else could have used them.  We took them to a chemists for disposal.

"Mrcheerful"  wrote in message 
news:EI6Ek.64270$E41.7780@text.news.virginmedia.com...
> mert1639 wrote:
>> "judith"  wrote in message
>> news:9op1e4hiuf5g3qiafiijna1hse9j57ecv2@4ax.com...
>>> On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:29:48 +0100, "M.I.5¾"
>>>  wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>> "judith"  wrote in message
>>>> news:50c1e4hab5o0p546fjjvjqkk2mpg1dl0gi@4ax.com...
>>>>> On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:23:21 -0700 (PDT), Jethro
>>>>>  wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Northern Ireland to abolish prescription charges :
>>>>>>
>>>>>> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7641637.stm
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Recently our beloved leader made some noises about abolishing
>>>>>> prescription charges for cancer patients ...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Since ukl is a widely read forum, I figured a debate here might
>>>>>> reach his ear ...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Personally, I've no problem with the current system, for acute
>>>>>> prescriptions. However it is patently a tax on being ill, for
>>>>>> people (like myself and my wife) who are obliged to take life-long
>>>>>> medication.
>>>>>
>>>>> Entitlement to help with health costs (NHS prescription and dental
>>>>> charges, optical and hospital travel costs) is based on the
>>>>> principle that those who can afford to contribute should do so;
>>>>
>>>> I was under the impression that I already was doing so.  It's called
>>>> 'National Insurance'.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> And why did you assume that your NI contributions covered all aspects
>>> of any Health Care which you needed?  Free glasses perhaps, free
>>> dental treatment, what about free drugs whatever your problem?
>>>
>>> Do you really not think it is a better idea to make people pay rather
>>> than provide prescriptions free for all.  Do you not think that
>>> perhaps that system might be abused - medicines wasted?
>>>
>> Why would medicines be wasted?  Are you saying that people are taking
>> medicines for the fun off it or that they would do so if they didn't
>> have to pay?
>> Surely the persciber should decided whether a drug is needed, not the
>> patient on the basis of the perscription charge.
>>
>>> As I said - if you really can't afford less than 30p a day for
>>> medication then you will get the help which you need.
>
> After my MIL died we cleared her flat, there were hundreds of recently 
> prescribed medicines, probably tens of thousands of pounds worth.  Quite 
> why she hoarded them I cannot tell, but it is certain that if she was 
> accountable for them then she would not have had them, and perhaps someone 
> else could have used them.  We took them to a chemists for disposal.
That happpens from time to time, but isn't (IME) a big issue.

On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:43:32 GMT, "Mrcheerful" 
wrote:

>mert1639 wrote:
>> "judith"  wrote in message
>> news:9op1e4hiuf5g3qiafiijna1hse9j57ecv2@4ax.com...
>>> On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:29:48 +0100, "M.I.5¾"
>>>  wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>> "judith"  wrote in message
>>>> news:50c1e4hab5o0p546fjjvjqkk2mpg1dl0gi@4ax.com...
>>>>> On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:23:21 -0700 (PDT), Jethro
>>>>>  wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Northern Ireland to abolish prescription charges :
>>>>>>
>>>>>> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7641637.stm
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Recently our beloved leader made some noises about abolishing
>>>>>> prescription charges for cancer patients ...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Since ukl is a widely read forum, I figured a debate here might
>>>>>> reach his ear ...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Personally, I've no problem with the current system, for acute
>>>>>> prescriptions. However it is patently a tax on being ill, for
>>>>>> people (like myself and my wife) who are obliged to take life-long
>>>>>> medication.
>>>>>
>>>>> Entitlement to help with health costs (NHS prescription and dental
>>>>> charges, optical and hospital travel costs) is based on the
>>>>> principle that those who can afford to contribute should do so;
>>>>
>>>> I was under the impression that I already was doing so.  It's called
>>>> 'National Insurance'.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> And why did you assume that your NI contributions covered all aspects
>>> of any Health Care which you needed?  Free glasses perhaps, free
>>> dental treatment, what about free drugs whatever your problem?
>>>
>>> Do you really not think it is a better idea to make people pay rather
>>> than provide prescriptions free for all.  Do you not think that
>>> perhaps that system might be abused - medicines wasted?
>>>
>> Why would medicines be wasted?  Are you saying that people are taking
>> medicines for the fun off it or that they would do so if they didn't
>> have to pay?
>> Surely the persciber should decided whether a drug is needed, not the
>> patient on the basis of the perscription charge.
>>
>>> As I said - if you really can't afford less than 30p a day for
>>> medication then you will get the help which you need.
>
>After my MIL died we cleared her flat, there were hundreds of recently 
>prescribed medicines, probably tens of thousands of pounds worth.  Quite why 
>she hoarded them I cannot tell, but it is certain that if she was 
>accountable for them then she would not have had them, and perhaps someone 
>else could have used them.  We took them to a chemists for disposal. 
>


Exactly my experience - when my father in law died he had thousands of
tablets (prescription pain killers) .  I am sure that he would not
have had them if he had had to pay for them

"Jethro"  wrote in message 
news:e1d586a9-ec68-4be7-b1a9-e36203ce3f88@p25g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
> Northern Ireland to abolish prescription charges :
>
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7641637.stm
>
> Recently our beloved leader made some noises about abolishing
> prescription charges for cancer patients ...
>
> Since ukl is a widely read forum, I figured a debate here might reach
> his ear ...
>
> Personally, I've no problem with the current system, for acute
> prescriptions. However it is patently a tax on being ill, for people
> (like myself and my wife) who are obliged to take life-long
> medication. (And yes, I know you can get a pre-paid certificate, but
> that doesn't change the fact you have to pay *something* for life).

Only if they don't do the job and you die before age 60 and assuming you 
don't qualify for any of the seemingly endless list of exemptions on the 
back of the form. Of curse, if you don't qualify for one of those, you 
should be able to afford a pre-payment card.

Colin Bignell

In article <e1d586a9-ec68-4be7-b1a9-e36203ce3f88@p25g2000hsf.googlegroup
s.com>, Jethro  writes
>So this is a sort of open letter to GB to let him know that whilst 
>everyone would love free prescriptions, he would really improve in my 
>estimation, if prescriptions for chronic[1] conditions were to be made 
>free.

I see the Northern Irish are now to have free prescriptions so now it's
only the English who will have to pay.

Mike

-- 
Michael Swift           We do not regard Englishmen as foreigners.      
Kirkheaton              We look on them only as rather mad Norwegians.    
Yorkshire                                       Halvard Lange

"Michael Swift"  wrote in message 
news:Mex$2IAc9R4IFwrB@ntlworld.com...
> In article <e1d586a9-ec68-4be7-b1a9-e36203ce3f88@p25g2000hsf.googlegroup
> s.com>, Jethro  writes
>>So this is a sort of open letter to GB to let him know that whilst
>>everyone would love free prescriptions, he would really improve in my
>>estimation, if prescriptions for chronic[1] conditions were to be made
>>free.
>
> I see the Northern Irish are now to have free prescriptions so now it's
> only the English who will have to pay.
>
> Mike
>
> -- 
> Michael Swift           We do not regard Englishmen as foreigners.
> Kirkheaton              We look on them only as rather mad Norwegians.
> Yorkshire                                       Halvard Lange

And that's the problem!
We are no longer a United Kingdom when some parts get more for their 
taxation than others.
B.

On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:18:22 +0100, "Retired" 
wrote:

>
>"Michael Swift"  wrote in message 
>news:Mex$2IAc9R4IFwrB@ntlworld.com...
>> In article <e1d586a9-ec68-4be7-b1a9-e36203ce3f88@p25g2000hsf.googlegroup
>> s.com>, Jethro  writes
>>>So this is a sort of open letter to GB to let him know that whilst
>>>everyone would love free prescriptions, he would really improve in my
>>>estimation, if prescriptions for chronic[1] conditions were to be made
>>>free.
>>
>> I see the Northern Irish are now to have free prescriptions so now it's
>> only the English who will have to pay.
>>
>> Mike
>>
>> -- 
>> Michael Swift           We do not regard Englishmen as foreigners.
>> Kirkheaton              We look on them only as rather mad Norwegians.
>> Yorkshire                                       Halvard Lange
>
>And that's the problem!
>We are no longer a United Kingdom when some parts get more for their 
>taxation than others.
>B.
>

I think you will find it's not a case of some getting more - but a
case of some getting something different

"judith"  wrote in message 
news:3ci2e4hkmassvvekls02m43eeei0jcnqu1@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:18:22 +0100, "Retired" 
> wrote:
>
>>
>>"Michael Swift"  wrote in message
>>news:Mex$2IAc9R4IFwrB@ntlworld.com...
>>> In article <e1d586a9-ec68-4be7-b1a9-e36203ce3f88@p25g2000hsf.googlegroup
>>> s.com>, Jethro  writes
>>>>So this is a sort of open letter to GB to let him know that whilst
>>>>everyone would love free prescriptions, he would really improve in my
>>>>estimation, if prescriptions for chronic[1] conditions were to be made
>>>>free.
>>>
>>> I see the Northern Irish are now to have free prescriptions so now it's
>>> only the English who will have to pay.
>>>
>>> Mike
>>>
>>> -- 
>>> Michael Swift           We do not regard Englishmen as foreigners.
>>> Kirkheaton              We look on them only as rather mad Norwegians.
>>> Yorkshire                                       Halvard Lange
>>
>>And that's the problem!
>>We are no longer a United Kingdom when some parts get more for their
>>taxation than others.
>>B.
>>
>
> I think you will find it's not a case of some getting more - but a
> case of some getting something different

By that, I assume that you mean that residents of England get less!
Can you name anything that a resident of England gets that is not available 
to residents of Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
B.

> Can you name anything that a resident of England gets that is not available 
> to residents of Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Fewer bank holidays.

"judith"  wrote in message 
news:9op1e4hiuf5g3qiafiijna1hse9j57ecv2@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:29:48 +0100, "M.I.5¾"
>  wrote:
>
>>
>>"judith"  wrote in message
>>news:50c1e4hab5o0p546fjjvjqkk2mpg1dl0gi@4ax.com...
>>> On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:23:21 -0700 (PDT), Jethro
>>>  wrote:
>>>
>>>>Northern Ireland to abolish prescription charges :
>>>>
>>>>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7641637.stm
>>>>
>>>>Recently our beloved leader made some noises about abolishing
>>>>prescription charges for cancer patients ...
>>>>
>>>>Since ukl is a widely read forum, I figured a debate here might reach
>>>>his ear ...
>>>>
>>>>Personally, I've no problem with the current system, for acute
>>>>prescriptions. However it is patently a tax on being ill, for people
>>>>(like myself and my wife) who are obliged to take life-long
>>>>medication.
>>>
>>> Entitlement to help with health costs (NHS prescription and dental
>>> charges, optical and hospital travel costs) is based on the principle
>>> that those who can afford to contribute should do so;
>>
>>I was under the impression that I already was doing so.  It's called
>>'National Insurance'.
>>
>
>
> And why did you assume that your NI contributions covered all aspects
> of any Health Care which you needed?  Free glasses perhaps, free
> dental treatment, what about free drugs whatever your problem?
>

Why not?  That's what we were told when National Insurance was introduced. 
I think the actual words were that that the National Health Service would 
look after everybody, "... from the cradle to the grave".

"Colin Wilson"  wrote 
in message news:MPG.234b651ba732ae459899d2@news.motzarella.org...
>> Can you name anything that a resident of England gets that is not 
>> available
>> to residents of Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
>
> Fewer bank holidays.

The bank holidays of Wales are the same as England.  Scotland gets the same 
number of *Public* Holidays, it's just that some are not the same as ours 
(26 Dec is replaced by 2 Jan and Easter Monday is replaced by St Andrew's 
Day  also their August Bank Holiday occurs at the beginning of August not 
the end).    Many English assume that St Stephen's day (our Boxing Day) is a 
holiday in Scotland, but although the day is so named, it is not a public 
holiday.

Northern Ireland does enjoy 10 public holidays being the same as England but 
for the addition of the Orangemen's day and St Patrick's day.

Bank holidays are no longer defined by statute but are named from year to 
year by royal proclamation.  This permits holidays to be moved where they 
would otherwise fall on a non working day.  It also allows holidays to be 
moved to suit important national events such as royal jubilees or even extra 
holidays granted such as royal weddings.

On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:38:18 +0100, judith 
wrote:

>Do you really have "difficulty paying" less than 30 pence a day for
>all of your prescription needs?

I don't have any difficulty since I get mine free! (I'm over 60.) That
leaves me with more money to spend at Tesco, should I be mad enough to
want to.

MM

On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 07:44:00 +0100, "M.I.5¾"
 wrote:

<snip>

>>>I was under the impression that I already was doing so.  It's called
>>>'National Insurance'.
>>>
>>
>>
>> And why did you assume that your NI contributions covered all aspects
>> of any Health Care which you needed?  Free glasses perhaps, free
>> dental treatment, what about free drugs whatever your problem?
>>
>
>Why not?  That's what we were told when National Insurance was introduced. 
>I think the actual words were that that the National Health Service would 
>look after everybody, "... from the cradle to the grave".
>

I am not aware that when the NHS was founded it was the intention that
it would be funded out of NI contributions - that was more for
pensions and social care  - I believe that the objective of funding
for the NHS was that the funding was to be from general taxation.

However, whilst it was the intention to provide the care from "cradle
to the grave" - there was never ever any statement that all of the
required health care would be free of charge to the recipient - unless
you know otherwise - and to rely on that presumption would be unwise.

On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:36:11 +0100, MM  wrote:

>On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:38:18 +0100, judith 
>wrote:
>
>>Do you really have "difficulty paying" less than 30 pence a day for
>>all of your prescription needs?
>
>I don't have any difficulty since I get mine free! (I'm over 60.) That
>leaves me with more money to spend at Tesco, should I be mad enough to
>want to.
>
>MM


I shouldn't encourage your crap  - but it looks like me and other
Tesco shareholders will be getting a reasonable dividend again:

Published Date:  30 September 2008

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco today unveiled a big rise in profits despite
"powerful economic headwinds".
The company reported a ten per cent rise in profits in the first half
of its year.

On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:56:51 +0100, "Retired" 
wrote:

>
>"judith"  wrote in message 
>news:3ci2e4hkmassvvekls02m43eeei0jcnqu1@4ax.com...
>> On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:18:22 +0100, "Retired" 
>> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>"Michael Swift"  wrote in message
>>>news:Mex$2IAc9R4IFwrB@ntlworld.com...
>>>> In article <e1d586a9-ec68-4be7-b1a9-e36203ce3f88@p25g2000hsf.googlegroup
>>>> s.com>, Jethro  writes
>>>>>So this is a sort of open letter to GB to let him know that whilst
>>>>>everyone would love free prescriptions, he would really improve in my
>>>>>estimation, if prescriptions for chronic[1] conditions were to be made
>>>>>free.
>>>>
>>>> I see the Northern Irish are now to have free prescriptions so now it's
>>>> only the English who will have to pay.
>>>>
>>>> Mike
>>>>
>>>> -- 
>>>> Michael Swift           We do not regard Englishmen as foreigners.
>>>> Kirkheaton              We look on them only as rather mad Norwegians.
>>>> Yorkshire                                       Halvard Lange
>>>
>>>And that's the problem!
>>>We are no longer a United Kingdom when some parts get more for their
>>>taxation than others.
>>>B.
>>>
>>
>> I think you will find it's not a case of some getting more - but a
>> case of some getting something different
>
>By that, I assume that you mean that residents of England get less!
>Can you name anything that a resident of England gets that is not available 
>to residents of Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
>B. 
>

No I do not know.
I believe that there is something like £1500 per head more spent in
Scotland than in England - I do not know the differences between the
other component countries.  England subsidises public services in
Scotland.
So in a way - they are getting more from "our" taxation - so Michael
was right.

"judith"  wrote in message 
news:a724e4had86he8ji5qq3e5peshumjms7sh@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 07:44:00 +0100, "M.I.5¾"
>  wrote:
>
> <snip>
>
>>>>I was under the impression that I already was doing so.  It's called
>>>>'National Insurance'.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> And why did you assume that your NI contributions covered all aspects
>>> of any Health Care which you needed?  Free glasses perhaps, free
>>> dental treatment, what about free drugs whatever your problem?
>>>
>>
>>Why not?  That's what we were told when National Insurance was introduced.
>>I think the actual words were that that the National Health Service would
>>look after everybody, "... from the cradle to the grave".
>>
>
> I am not aware that when the NHS was founded it was the intention that
> it would be funded out of NI contributions - that was more for
> pensions and social care  - I believe that the objective of funding
> for the NHS was that the funding was to be from general taxation.
>
> However, whilst it was the intention to provide the care from "cradle
> to the grave" - there was never ever any statement that all of the
> required health care would be free of charge to the recipient - unless
> you know otherwise - and to rely on that presumption would be unwise.
>
I thought that at the start of the NHS everything was free.  However, soon 
after they started charging.

On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:24:58 +0100, judith 
wrote:

>On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:36:11 +0100, MM  wrote:
>
>>On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:38:18 +0100, judith 
>>wrote:
>>
>>>Do you really have "difficulty paying" less than 30 pence a day for
>>>all of your prescription needs?
>>
>>I don't have any difficulty since I get mine free! (I'm over 60.) That
>>leaves me with more money to spend at Tesco, should I be mad enough to
>>want to.
>>
>>MM
>
>
>I shouldn't encourage your crap  - but it looks like me and other
>Tesco shareholders will be getting a reasonable dividend again:
>
>Published Date:  30 September 2008
>
>SUPERMARKET giant Tesco today unveiled a big rise in profits despite
>"powerful economic headwinds".
>The company reported a ten per cent rise in profits in the first half
>of its year.

Could have something to do with the advertising, sorry, interviews
Tesco has with the BBC. Another 3-minute slot this morning in the
Today business segment with Terry Leahy talking up his new discount
range. Not once, but twice! Getting the kind of publicity for free
that other companies have to pay millions for. Oh, and what did Tesco
need to do to obtain an outlet for this puffery? Turn in a 10%
increase in profits! So, despite the massive downturn, Tesco are still
making money hand over fist. No wonder it joins the true discounters
belatedly with the new range. Aldi/Lidl have increased their sales by
figures into double digits, yet the BBC doesn't interview them, oh no.

MM

On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:57:05 +0100, MM  wrote:

<snip>


>Could have something to do with the advertising, sorry, interviews
>Tesco has with the BBC. Another 3-minute slot this morning in the
>Today business segment with Terry Leahy talking up his new discount
>range. Not once, but twice! Getting the kind of publicity for free
>that other companies have to pay millions for. Oh, and what did Tesco
>need to do to obtain an outlet for this puffery? Turn in a 10%
>increase in profits! So, despite the massive downturn, Tesco are still
>making money hand over fist. No wonder it joins the true discounters
>belatedly with the new range. Aldi/Lidl have increased their sales by
>figures into double digits, yet the BBC doesn't interview them, oh no.
>
>MM


I know - it's good isn't it - excellent news for discerning shoppers
and shareholders alike.  Which category are you in?

On 30 Sep, 09:36, MM  wrote:

> I don't have any difficulty since I get mine free! (I'm over 60.) That
> leaves me with more money to spend at Tesco, should I be mad enough to
> want to.
>
> MM

Mmmmm indeed!  Profits up 10% announced today.

Must be doing something right.

"judith"  wrote in message 
news:a724e4had86he8ji5qq3e5peshumjms7sh@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 07:44:00 +0100, "M.I.5¾"
>  wrote:
>
> <snip>
>
>>>>I was under the impression that I already was doing so.  It's called
>>>>'National Insurance'.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> And why did you assume that your NI contributions covered all aspects
>>> of any Health Care which you needed?  Free glasses perhaps, free
>>> dental treatment, what about free drugs whatever your problem?
>>>
>>
>>Why not?  That's what we were told when National Insurance was introduced.
>>I think the actual words were that that the National Health Service would
>>look after everybody, "... from the cradle to the grave".
>>
>
> I am not aware that when the NHS was founded it was the intention that
> it would be funded out of NI contributions - that was more for
> pensions and social care  - I believe that the objective of funding
> for the NHS was that the funding was to be from general taxation.
>
> However, whilst it was the intention to provide the care from "cradle
> to the grave" - there was never ever any statement that all of the
> required health care would be free of charge to the recipient - unless
> you know otherwise - and to rely on that presumption would be unwise.
>

Yes, when the NHS was introduced by Lord Bevan it was the declared intention 
that all health care in this country would be free at the point of delivery. 
It was to be paid out of a payment called 'National Insurance' which was set 
at a flat rate on the grounds that because everyone was likely to get the 
same out of the NHS, then everyone should pay the same into it.  I paid 52½ 
pence a week (actualy 10/6d) when I started work as did everyone else.

It is since those times that the system has been usurped and charges levied 
for various bits of the service that were originally free.  Thatcher 
introduced prescription charges and earnings related national insurance 
which just became another tax revenue stream.  I started work just after 
dental charges were introduced but even at that time the *maximum* that you 
could be required to pay for a course of treatment (including remedial work) 
was just £5, but mostly, the charge was a lot less than this.

On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:25:33 +0100, judith 
wrote:

>On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:57:05 +0100, MM  wrote:
>
><snip>
>
>
>>Could have something to do with the advertising, sorry, interviews
>>Tesco has with the BBC. Another 3-minute slot this morning in the
>>Today business segment with Terry Leahy talking up his new discount
>>range. Not once, but twice! Getting the kind of publicity for free
>>that other companies have to pay millions for. Oh, and what did Tesco
>>need to do to obtain an outlet for this puffery? Turn in a 10%
>>increase in profits! So, despite the massive downturn, Tesco are still
>>making money hand over fist. No wonder it joins the true discounters
>>belatedly with the new range. Aldi/Lidl have increased their sales by
>>figures into double digits, yet the BBC doesn't interview them, oh no.
>>
>>MM
>
>
>I know - it's good isn't it - excellent news for discerning shoppers
>and shareholders alike.  Which category are you in?

Neither where Tesco is concerned. I try to avoid it as much as poss.

MM

On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:40:56 -0700 (PDT), Ceres
 wrote:

>On 30 Sep, 09:36, MM  wrote:
>
>> I don't have any difficulty since I get mine free! (I'm over 60.) That
>> leaves me with more money to spend at Tesco, should I be mad enough to
>> want to.
>>
>> MM
>
>Mmmmm indeed!  Profits up 10% announced today.
>
>Must be doing something right.

Yeah, like MAKING TOO MUCH PROFIT BY CHARGING US MORE THAN IT NEEDS
TO!

MM

On 30 Sep, 17:05, MM  wrote:
> On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:40:56 -0700 (PDT), Ceres
>
>  wrote:
> >On 30 Sep, 09:36, MM  wrote:
>
> >> I don't have any difficulty since I get mine free! (I'm over 60.) That
> >> leaves me with more money to spend at Tesco, should I be mad enough to
> >> want to.
>
> >> MM
>
> >Mmmmm indeed!  Profits up 10% announced today.
>
> >Must be doing something right.
>
> Yeah, like MAKING TOO MUCH PROFIT BY CHARGING US MORE THAN IT NEEDS
> TO!
>
> MM

To make the profits it does, it has to sell goods.  And to do that in
a competitive environment, its prices have to be competitive.

It certainly doesn't appear to be the case that we're at all unwilling
to shop at Tesco, or that everyone is deserting Tesco for Aldi and
Lidl as you wishfully think.

Quite the opposite in fact, wouldn't you say?

On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:16:42 -0700 (PDT), Ceres
 wrote:

>On 30 Sep, 17:05, MM  wrote:
>> On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:40:56 -0700 (PDT), Ceres
>>
>>  wrote:
>> >On 30 Sep, 09:36, MM  wrote:
>>
>> >> I don't have any difficulty since I get mine free! (I'm over 60.) That
>> >> leaves me with more money to spend at Tesco, should I be mad enough to
>> >> want to.
>>
>> >> MM
>>
>> >Mmmmm indeed!  Profits up 10% announced today.
>>
>> >Must be doing something right.
>>
>> Yeah, like MAKING TOO MUCH PROFIT BY CHARGING US MORE THAN IT NEEDS
>> TO!
>>
>> MM
>
>To make the profits it does, it has to sell goods.  And to do that in
>a competitive environment, its prices have to be competitive.
>
>It certainly doesn't appear to be the case that we're at all unwilling
>to shop at Tesco, or that everyone is deserting Tesco for Aldi and
>Lidl as you wishfully think.
>
>Quite the opposite in fact, wouldn't you say?

No, in fact most people haven't yet cottoned on to Tesco's new
discount range. Our Tesco is often painfully (for Tesco) devoid of
customers, but Aldi/Lidl are doing a roaring trade. Whereas up to a
few months ago, shoppers at Aldi bought just the basics, now it's
typical to see someone with a family weekly trolley load of shopping,
the kind you used to see coming out of Tesco or Asda. Tesco are making
great play at the moment of their new discount cornflakes which are
actually 4p cheaper than Aldi. But what Tesco don't say is that Aldi
will have 20 other items that have always been cheaper than Tesco and
still are.

MM

On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:05:29 +0100, MM  wrote:

>On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:40:56 -0700 (PDT), Ceres
> wrote:
>
>>On 30 Sep, 09:36, MM  wrote:
>>
>>> I don't have any difficulty since I get mine free! (I'm over 60.) That
>>> leaves me with more money to spend at Tesco, should I be mad enough to
>>> want to.
>>>
>>> MM
>>
>>Mmmmm indeed!  Profits up 10% announced today.
>>
>>Must be doing something right.
>
>Yeah, like MAKING TOO MUCH PROFIT BY CHARGING US MORE THAN IT NEEDS
>TO!
>
>MM

Do you mean "more than it needs to" whilst considering it as a
business with the objective of making money for shareholders or are
you considering it in its role as a philanthropic foundation?

"MM"  wrote in message 
news:vis4e4h4dolhack1i06hn1a6in47p5l5fh@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:16:42 -0700 (PDT), Ceres
>  wrote:
>
>>On 30 Sep, 17:05, MM  wrote:
>>> On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:40:56 -0700 (PDT), Ceres
>>>
>>>  wrote:
>>> >On 30 Sep, 09:36, MM  wrote:
>>>
>>> >> I don't have any difficulty since I get mine free! (I'm over 60.) 
>>> >> That
>>> >> leaves me with more money to spend at Tesco, should I be mad enough 
>>> >> to
>>> >> want to.
>>>
>>> >> MM
>>>
>>> >Mmmmm indeed! Profits up 10% announced today.
>>>
>>> >Must be doing something right.
>>>
>>> Yeah, like MAKING TOO MUCH PROFIT BY CHARGING US MORE THAN IT NEEDS
>>> TO!
>>>
>>> MM
>>
>>To make the profits it does, it has to sell goods.  And to do that in
>>a competitive environment, its prices have to be competitive.
>>
>>It certainly doesn't appear to be the case that we're at all unwilling
>>to shop at Tesco, or that everyone is deserting Tesco for Aldi and
>>Lidl as you wishfully think.
>>
>>Quite the opposite in fact, wouldn't you say?
>
> No, in fact most people haven't yet cottoned on to Tesco's new
> discount range. Our Tesco is often painfully (for Tesco) devoid of
> customers, but Aldi/Lidl are doing a roaring trade. Whereas up to a
> few months ago, shoppers at Aldi bought just the basics, now it's
> typical to see someone with a family weekly trolley load of shopping,
> the kind you used to see coming out of Tesco or Asda. Tesco are making
> great play at the moment of their new discount cornflakes which are
> actually 4p cheaper than Aldi. But what Tesco don't say is that Aldi
> will have 20 other items that have always been cheaper than Tesco and
> still are.
>
If Tesco are doing such poor trade why are they having such good profits?

On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:55:09 +0100, judith 
wrote:

>On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:56:51 +0100, "Retired" 
>wrote:
>
>>
>>"judith"  wrote in message 
>>news:3ci2e4hkmassvvekls02m43eeei0jcnqu1@4ax.com...
>>> On Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:18:22 +0100, "Retired" 
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>>"Michael Swift"  wrote in message
>>>>news:Mex$2IAc9R4IFwrB@ntlworld.com...
>>>>> In article <e1d586a9-ec68-4be7-b1a9-e36203ce3f88@p25g2000hsf.googlegroup
>>>>> s.com>, Jethro  writes
>>>>>>So this is a sort of open letter to GB to let him know that whilst
>>>>>>everyone would love free prescriptions, he would really improve in my
>>>>>>estimation, if prescriptions for chronic[1] conditions were to be made
>>>>>>free.
>>>>>
>>>>> I see the Northern Irish are now to have free prescriptions so now it's
>>>>> only the English who will have to pay.
>>>>>
>>>>> Mike
>>>>>
>>>>> -- 
>>>>> Michael Swift           We do not regard Englishmen as foreigners.
>>>>> Kirkheaton              We look on them only as rather mad Norwegians.
>>>>> Yorkshire                                       Halvard Lange
>>>>
>>>>And that's the problem!
>>>>We are no longer a United Kingdom when some parts get more for their
>>>>taxation than others.
>>>>B.
>>>>
>>>
>>> I think you will find it's not a case of some getting more - but a
>>> case of some getting something different
>>
>>By that, I assume that you mean that residents of England get less!
>>Can you name anything that a resident of England gets that is not available 
>>to residents of Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
>>B. 
>>
>
>No I do not know.
>I believe that there is something like £1500 per head more spent in
>Scotland than in England - I do not know the differences between the
>other component countries.  England subsidises public services in
>Scotland.
>So in a way - they are getting more from "our" taxation - so Michael
>was right.


When Nye Bevan inflicted the NHS on post-war Britain, it was funded by
duping the Americans who thought that their loaned money was going to
be spent on the re-construction of our destroyed industry.  But then
that is what the Labour Party does.  Meanwhile Germany spent their US
money on modernising their industry, and have never looked back.

Also Bevan foolishly stated that as the UK citizens would soon be so
healthy that the NHS costs would begin to fall.  Some chance of that!

Especially as over the years the nunber of 'sicknesses' treated by the
NHS has increased to include: gender reassignment, non-medical
ceasarian operations, non-essential cosmetic surgery, weight-loss
surgery. Plus many other examples.

The problem is that many NHS careers have been improved by the
'expansion' of health care into areas that it has no business to be
in. A shrinkage of services available is really required.

DJ

On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:35:25 +0100, "mert1639"
 wrote:

>If Tesco are doing such poor trade why are they having such good profits? 

Because they are charging more than they need and consumers haven't
realised it yet. (They will, once the recession bites.)

MM

On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:14:30 +0100, judith 
wrote:

>On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:05:29 +0100, MM  wrote:
>
>>On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:40:56 -0700 (PDT), Ceres
>> wrote:
>>
>>>On 30 Sep, 09:36, MM  wrote:
>>>
>>>> I don't have any difficulty since I get mine free! (I'm over 60.) That
>>>> leaves me with more money to spend at Tesco, should I be mad enough to
>>>> want to.
>>>>
>>>> MM
>>>
>>>Mmmmm indeed!  Profits up 10% announced today.
>>>
>>>Must be doing something right.
>>
>>Yeah, like MAKING TOO MUCH PROFIT BY CHARGING US MORE THAN IT NEEDS
>>TO!
>>
>>MM
>
>Do you mean "more than it needs to" whilst considering it as a
>business with the objective of making money for shareholders or are
>you considering it in its role as a philanthropic foundation?

A business has to make a profit. Where, though, is it written that it
has to make obscenely excessive profits? In fact, for Tesco to even
announce its 10% increase in profits is bad enough in the good times,
but now, in the bad times, and it STILL makes 10 per cent?!! And is
even PROUD of that "achievement"!! I don't think it's really thinking
that "Every Little Helps" at all. It's thinking, we're gonna tempt
every last penny out of your wallet and purse, if we can. In that
sense, Every Little Helps is probably the right slogan after all.
Every Little Helps Our Bottom Line.

MM

"judith"  wrote in message 
news:e4a4e4l6hv61f72fr918mmnncbpd8rvrm0@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:57:05 +0100, MM  wrote:
>
> <snip>
>
>
>>Could have something to do with the advertising, sorry, interviews
>>Tesco has with the BBC. Another 3-minute slot this morning in the
>>Today business segment with Terry Leahy talking up his new discount
>>range. Not once, but twice! Getting the kind of publicity for free
>>that other companies have to pay millions for. Oh, and what did Tesco
>>need to do to obtain an outlet for this puffery? Turn in a 10%
>>increase in profits! So, despite the massive downturn, Tesco are still
>>making money hand over fist. No wonder it joins the true discounters
>>belatedly with the new range. Aldi/Lidl have increased their sales by
>>figures into double digits, yet the BBC doesn't interview them, oh no.
>>
>>MM
>
>
> I know - it's good isn't it - excellent news for discerning shoppers
> and shareholders alike.  Which category are you in?
>

What does Tesco and "discerning shoppers" have to do with each other?  On 
those rare occasions that I have had to shop at Tesco, I have always been 
disappointed.

"MM"  wrote in message 
news:e8f6e4t164k4ub9q7qqlsre7l1mmngsrbj@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:14:30 +0100, judith 
> wrote:
>
>>On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:05:29 +0100, MM  wrote:
>>
>>>On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:40:56 -0700 (PDT), Ceres
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>>On 30 Sep, 09:36, MM  wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I don't have any difficulty since I get mine free! (I'm over 60.) That
>>>>> leaves me with more money to spend at Tesco, should I be mad enough to
>>>>> want to.
>>>>>
>>>>> MM
>>>>
>>>>Mmmmm indeed!  Profits up 10% announced today.
>>>>
>>>>Must be doing something right.
>>>
>>>Yeah, like MAKING TOO MUCH PROFIT BY CHARGING US MORE THAN IT NEEDS
>>>TO!
>>>
>>>MM
>>
>>Do you mean "more than it needs to" whilst considering it as a
>>business with the objective of making money for shareholders or are
>>you considering it in its role as a philanthropic foundation?
>
> A business has to make a profit. Where, though, is it written that it
> has to make obscenely excessive profits?

Like any other PLC, Tesco's first duty is to its shareholders.  If it can 
satisfy that duty by making "obscenely excessive profits" and getting away 
with it, that that is what it is obligated to do.  OTOH, you as the customer 
are under no obligation to shop there.  You may prefer a shop that has no 
shareholders such as Waitrose or the Co-op.

On Wed, 1 Oct 2008 13:18:23 +0100, "M.I.5¾"
 wrote:

>
>"judith"  wrote in message 
>news:e4a4e4l6hv61f72fr918mmnncbpd8rvrm0@4ax.com...
>> On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:57:05 +0100, MM  wrote:
>>
>> <snip>
>>
>>
>>>Could have something to do with the advertising, sorry, interviews
>>>Tesco has with the BBC. Another 3-minute slot this morning in the
>>>Today business segment with Terry Leahy talking up his new discount
>>>range. Not once, but twice! Getting the kind of publicity for free
>>>that other companies have to pay millions for. Oh, and what did Tesco
>>>need to do to obtain an outlet for this puffery? Turn in a 10%
>>>increase in profits! So, despite the massive downturn, Tesco are still
>>>making money hand over fist. No wonder it joins the true discounters
>>>belatedly with the new range. Aldi/Lidl have increased their sales by
>>>figures into double digits, yet the BBC doesn't interview them, oh no.
>>>
>>>MM
>>
>>
>> I know - it's good isn't it - excellent news for discerning shoppers
>> and shareholders alike.  Which category are you in?
>>
>
>What does Tesco and "discerning shoppers" have to do with each other?  On 
>those rare occasions that I have had to shop at Tesco, I have always been 
>disappointed. 

I am disappointed enough just to see their ubiquitous signage
everywhere.

MM

On Wed, 1 Oct 2008 13:23:12 +0100, "M.I.5¾"
 wrote:

>
>"MM"  wrote in message 
>news:e8f6e4t164k4ub9q7qqlsre7l1mmngsrbj@4ax.com...
>> On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:14:30 +0100, judith 
>> wrote:
>>
>>>On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:05:29 +0100, MM  wrote:
>>>
>>>>On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:40:56 -0700 (PDT), Ceres
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>On 30 Sep, 09:36, MM  wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> I don't have any difficulty since I get mine free! (I'm over 60.) That
>>>>>> leaves me with more money to spend at Tesco, should I be mad enough to
>>>>>> want to.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> MM
>>>>>
>>>>>Mmmmm indeed!  Profits up 10% announced today.
>>>>>
>>>>>Must be doing something right.
>>>>
>>>>Yeah, like MAKING TOO MUCH PROFIT BY CHARGING US MORE THAN IT NEEDS
>>>>TO!
>>>>
>>>>MM
>>>
>>>Do you mean "more than it needs to" whilst considering it as a
>>>business with the objective of making money for shareholders or are
>>>you considering it in its role as a philanthropic foundation?
>>
>> A business has to make a profit. Where, though, is it written that it
>> has to make obscenely excessive profits?
>
>Like any other PLC, Tesco's first duty is to its shareholders.  If it can 
>satisfy that duty by making "obscenely excessive profits" and getting away 
>with it, that that is what it is obligated to do.  OTOH, you as the customer 
>are under no obligation to shop there.  You may prefer a shop that has no 
>shareholders such as Waitrose or the Co-op.

Or Aldi, Lidl, who manage to make a profit and still undercut all the
other supermarkets!

MM

"MM"  wrote in message 
news:m6f6e49jetml2p8gul7dkh4covt8f5545u@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:35:25 +0100, "mert1639"
>  wrote:
>
>>If Tesco are doing such poor trade why are they having such good profits?
>
> Because they are charging more than they need and consumers haven't
> realised it yet. (They will, once the recession bites.)
>
I doubt it.  Tesco didn't fail in the last recession did it?